Fall 2023 Seminars

Seminars are one-time meetings that usually last a few hours. They are often tied to a group that can provide additional support after the seminar. Breakthrough will meet on Thursdays at various locations at Bay Life Church (see specific group for details) and Sundays in the Counseling Center behind Bay Life Church. The Counseling Center is located at 140 Yarbrough Road, Brandon, FL 33510. 

Loss of a Spouse
Saturday, August 19, 2023 | 10am – 11:30am | Led by Genevieve LoCicero | Workbook: $5

Widowed? Help is here and hope is possible. Do you dread the lonely days and nights? Wonder what to do with your spouse’s belongings? Feel like your brain is in a fog? Unsure of how you’ll go on?

At a Loss of a Spouse seminar you’ll discover:

• Other people understand and have found ways to make it through
• Why it won’t always hurt so much
• Reasons for hope
• Practical tips for coping with the death of a spouse

A Loss of a Spouse seminar lasts about two hours. Here’s what to expect:

• Video seminar: You’ll view a 35-minute video with encouraging, practical advice from counselors, pastors, and widowed men and women.
• Sharing time: Then you’ll get to talk with other widowed people about what you learned from the video. (There’s no pressure to share!)
• A guide to bring home: Everyone receives a booklet with more than 30 short readings on how to live with grief and eventually rebuild your life.

Registration is now closed. Loss of a Spouse will be offered again. Check back for details.

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays
Thursday, October 19, 2023 | 7pm – 8:30pm | Led by Mark Sentovich and Tricia Mira | Workbook: $5

Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated? Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:

• How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
• What to do about traditions and other coming changes
• Helpful tips for surviving social events
• How to discover hope for your future

This event lasts for about 90 minutes. You’ll be welcomed by warm, caring people who understand what you are going through and who want to help. During the seminar, you will:

• Watch a 45-minute video, filled with practical holiday survival tips and the real-life stories of people who have navigated the season after their loved one’s death
• Hear other seminar attendees explain how they are dealing with the holidays
• Have the opportunity to share how grief is affecting you. (No pressure—this is optional. We want you to feel comfortable)
• Receive a personal copy of the GriefShare Holiday Survival Guide.

We hope you will join us on your journey from mourning to joy.

Register Here

DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays
Sundays, October 22, 2023 | 9am – 10:30am | Led by Genevieve LoCicero | Workbook: $5

After separation and divorce, your Thanksgiving and Christmas won't look the same as they used to. Traditions change. Some family members won't be there. Social gatherings can feel stressful. But DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays can help! It is a 90 minute seminar that includes watching a video, a sharing time afterward, and use of a participant workbook filled with tips and encouragement for managing the holidays after separation and divorce. We hope you can join us.

Register Here

Registration for fall groups is open. A complete listing of open groups and classes offered at Bay Life Church can be found at baylife.org/groups. Many of our groups and classes fill up and close. If you don't find what you are looking for, please check back as new groups and classes continue to open. Groups listed here with a registration link are open, even if they have already started. If you have questions, feel free to email Genevieve LoCicero, . 

DivorceCare
Sundays, August 27 - December 10, 2023 | 9am – 10:30am | Led by Genevieve LoCicero | Workbook: $20

Many people would tell you that separation and divorce are one of the most painful experiences they have ever faced. It is a confusing time when you may feel isolated and have a lot of questions about issues you have never faced before. The emotional damage cuts to the soul. True healing for this kind of pain can only come from God's presence in the life of the person experiencing it. The DivorceCare group is Christ-centered and meets weekly to help you face these challenges and move towards rebuilding your life. Each DivorceCare session has 3 distinct elements: watching a 40 minute DVD video where top experts speak on the subject of divorce and separation. After viewing the video, group participants will spend time in a group discussing what was presented in the video and also sharing what is going on in their life. We also use a participant guidebook in session and from home throughout the week to complete brief topic-related studies.

Register Here

GriefShare
Thursdays, August 31 - December 7, 2023 | 7pm – 8:30pm | Led by Mark Sentovich and Tricia Mira | Workbook: $20

It may be hard for you right now to feel optimistic about the future. If you have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you've probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you've never faced before. Our GriefShare group meets weekly to help you face these challenges and move towards rebuilding your life. Each GriefShare session has 3 distinct elements: watching a video session which contains experts in grief and also individuals who have experienced loss; a brief group discuss time related to the video topic; and use of your participant guidebook during the session and throughout the week (brief studies for personal reflection). You do not need to walk alone on your journey from mourning to joy. We hope you will join us.

Register Here

God Will Make a Way
Thursdays, August 31 - October 26, 2023 | 7pm – 8:30pm | Led by Genevieve LoCicero | Workbook: no cost

We all have times in our life when we feel lost, we feel hurt and we find ourselves asking "Where is God in all of this?" Even when we are not in crisis, there are times when it seems something is missing - an uncomfortable distance between where we are and where we want to be. When you find yourself in that place, you are in a 'window of opportunity' where you can experience God like you never have before. This group is about learning and applying some fascinating principals that demonstrate how God enters both the heartbreaking situation and the life looking for more. God has given us keys in His Word that address our problems in ways we never thought possible.

This group is for adults only. We will meet every Thursday evening from 7 - 8:30 pm in the Student Center Building. We will view a 30 minute DVD teaching by Henry Cloud and John Townsend that will show you how to apply God's principals to key areas of your life. When you do, your relationships will be better; you'll have more control over your life; and you'll satisfy your spiritual hunger.

Register Here

Heart of a Caregiver
Sundays, August 27 - November 5, 2023 | 10:45am - 12pm | Led by Genevieve LoCicero | Workbook: $15

Caring for a loved one is difficult work. It can often leave a strong person feeling overwhelmed and stressed. If that's you, then The Heart of the Caregiver is just the encouragement you need. When you are looking at overwhelming circumstances as a caregiver you need a guidebook that not only helps you on your journey but allows you to walk on the journey with others going through similar circumstances. This group is designed to address the growing challenges of a caregiver and encourage caregivers by reminding them to care for themselves, that you are not alone and that you are ultimately serving Jesus.

Register Here